As the days get shorter and the day-to-day business tasks get a little slower, it's important to take the time to reflect on the year that was and do some planning for the year that is to come.

Today we get into some of the methods each of us have for looking back on the past year and setting ourselves up for success in the year to come so we can "finish strong and start stronger."

Enjoy The Show!

---- Show Notes: 4:15 - Year End Assessment Routines 20:45 - Planning For The Year To Come 29:25 - Strategize on Solving Challenges

---- Links: Talkin' Shop Podcast - w/ Jon Harris, Baer Halverson, & Benji Bolick

Today we cover some of the most important questions you need to answer on every job walk you go on. No matter what company you represent - installer, manufacturer, distributor, etc. when you're on a job walk, these are some of the ESSENTIAL questions you need answers to in order to be successful in your quote and deployment. There are others dependent on what your systems are - fire, alarms, DAS, VMS, access control, 2-way communications, etc. - but these core questions transcend all systems and solutions.

Enjoy The Show! Other Episodes Referenced:

5 Things That Make A Good Salesperson in Security

Know Thy Competition

Today we dive into the concepts in "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter.

In our day-to-day lives we regularly seek out comfort - the AC, comfortable shoes, mattress, even the difficult conversations - because discomfort is ...well... uncomfortable.

You've heard the phrase, "No pain, no gain", right?

It's because our growth as people and professionals takes place when we push past our comfort zones and expand our capabilities.

Join us today as we explore this book and principles we've taken away from the concepts presented by the author.

Enjoy the show! ---- Time Stamps:

2:59 - How "The Comfort Crisis" came to us 12:09 - Embracing Boredom 22:40 - Power of Engaging with Nature 27:13 - Speed of Action & Self Talk 35:05 - Concept of Misogi & The Happiness Hypothesis 46:22 - Everett's Recent Misogi

Links: "The Comfort Crisis" - Michael Easter The Power of Leaving Your Comfort Zone - Michael Easter Speech "What I Told Joe Rogan About Boredom"

Joe Rogan on "Meat Eater" - 1st Trip, 2nd Trip

Today we share some stories from our time and life out there on the road. From hikes up mountains in work attire to swords of steak lit on fire, from running the Rocky steps to unexpected seats at a baseball game, we're grateful for some of the amazing experiences we've been able to have in this field.

Time flies and jobs can sometimes be stressful. One way to help on both of those fronts is to break up routine and try something new & different. Studies show that the perception of time is slowed when you change up your routine (look up the neuroscience of the "novelty effect" or "holiday paradox") and create new memories & experiences.

With today's episode we're hoping that you're stirred you to do something a little different (try a new restaurant, go see something cool, enjoy nature), have some fun, and make some memories out there. ...even better if you make those memories with an industry friend or co-worker!

Enjoy the show!

Today we jump in to cover some of the personal responsibilities that come along with deploying security systems. What our friend Baer Halvorson describes as "Security as a Mindset".

Whether you're a manufacturer, installer, or end user, we all play a part in making sure our security solutions actually help make and keep people and property safe and secure - here are some ways to do just that.

Enjoy the show!

----more----Show Notes:

2:00 - The "Why of Security 10:45 - The Need of Training 23:00 - How We Can Help

Links Murphy On Security Post - by Brendan Murphy Weakest Link of Security (blog referenced on cyber security, but applicable)

Today we dig into the concept and strategies surrounding work-life balance (…a phrase that one of us isn’t the biggest fan of 😉).

This is something that everyone who is employed likely faces and often struggles with

However, the realization that it is a constantly moving target and that both “life” AND work have seasons that might require an ebb & flow of time, attention, and dedication.

Hopefully you’ll find some tips in here that help you find a more balanced life altogether.

Enjoy the show!

--- Links: Article on work-life balance from Coursera

The Culturestone – Blog from PDK’s Tanner Bengtzen

Today we discuss the importance of knowing your competition.

There are things that we can learn from our competition that may even help to better understand ourselves and our offerings, IF you're paying attention and listening to what others out there in the marketplace are doing and what the market is saying.

- Identify who your competitors are - Learn why customers like them - Perform your own competitive analysis - learning how you stack up and why.

But ultimately... you have a job to do, so don't get too fixated on what others are doing that it distracts you from your primary pursuits.

Enjoy the show!

Today we explore the wonderfully complicated mindsets of the security sales person.

In sales, it's important not to get too high or get too low. So we dive into some tips for continuing through whether you're seeing success or you're facing a challenging time. ----

For those in sales, hopefully this is helpful and encouraging. For those not in sales, hopefully this will help you understand some of the mental challenges we face out there in the field. For those exploring a career in sales...hopefully this doesn't scare you ;)

----- Time Stamps:

2:05 - The challenge of mindset in sales 5:42 - Keeping balanced in the ups & downs 6:29 - Tips for when you're having success 19:22 - Tips for when things are challenging 35:55 - What we like most about sales 39:04 - Wrap up & outro